My Lord Chapter 23

It was something I hadn’t expected to hear at all, so I was momentarily flustered but quickly answered.

 

“Uh, um. Yes, that’s right… Is there a problem, by any chance?”

 

Please say no. Say you’re not suspicious.

 

I rubbed my sweaty palms against my pants and took a deep breath.

 

“You.”

 

At that moment, Sedian abruptly grabbed my hand.

 

It was the first time Sedian had ever touched me first. Huh? Wh-why? I was so startled that I froze on the spot.

 

“Why are you sweating?”

 

“Uh… well, it’s a bit hot…”

 

Sedian stared at me intently. His gaze was so sharp that I instinctively turned my head away. Yet, I could still vividly feel his eyes on me.

 

“Go prepare breakfast.”

 

Before long, Sedian pushed my hand away and spoke.

 

Phew, thank goodness. It seems like he won’t say anything more about it.

 

Relieved, I nodded and exhaled deeply.

 

“Yes! I’ll prepare it right away!”

 

“…Include milk.”

 

Milk? Sedian, who usually detests milk, suddenly wants it?

 

Well, maybe he’s just craving it.

 

Thinking as much, I sent Sedian back to his room and hurried to the kitchen.

 

***

 

How annoying.

 

Sedian muttered as he leaned against the headboard of the bed.

 

It was, quite literally, annoying. The bright sunlight of the summer dawn, the chirping birds announcing the start of the day, the sound of the wind tapping at the window—all of it was annoying.

 

But most annoying of all was Rey. Yes, Sedian was most annoyed with Rey.

 

Why? The question filled his mind. Why was he annoyed with Rey?

 

He wasn’t sure. Not knowing only made him more irritated.

 

Sedian sank his head deep into the pillow, replaying the events from earlier in his mind.

 

Rey’s room, usually so quiet it made one wonder if anyone was even there, had unexpectedly been filled with voices. 

 

When Sedian focused his ears, he couldn’t make out the words, but he was certain it wasn’t just Rey talking to himself—it was a conversation. 

 

Who was Rey speaking with so early in the morning? Intrigued, Sedian had gone to check and found Rey and that man, Ellen, with their arms around each other. Though they claimed it was just a friendly gesture, Sedian was sure it looked like they were hugging.

 

Ellen…

 

He was a well-built man with an imposing figure.

 

His loosely tousled green hair shone with luster, and his dark skin was smooth and flawless. One glance was enough to see he was brimming with health.

 

Perhaps because of that?

 

Rey and Ellen looked genuinely close, and, moreover, they suited each other. They were such a good match that anyone could believe they were friends.

 

…Unlike himself.

 

Sedian looked down at his hands resting on the blanket.

 

For some reason, his skin hadn’t been peeling lately, but the scars were still there.

 

His blotchy, uneven skin looked nothing like healthy skin—so much so that it would draw sighs from anyone who saw it.

 

Sedian imagined himself standing next to Rey. Though he’d never actually stood before a mirror with Rey, he’d envisioned the scene countless times in his head, so conjuring it wasn’t difficult.

 

Rey was slightly taller than him. He had to tilt his head up a little to meet Rey’s eyes. Rey’s body was lean but muscular, making all his movements light and agile.

 

Not only that, his silky azure hair shimmered, and his pale white skin glowed with a healthy flush. When he smiled, covering his mouth with his slender, feminine fingers, the tear mole near his eye became pronounced.

 

Standing next to such a Rey was Sedian, with his brittle hair, scarred skin, dull eyes, and limbs so thin they had no trace of muscle.

 

Rey and Sedian standing side by side didn’t look like friends. In fact, they didn’t even look like they belonged in the same scene. Meanwhile, Ellen…

 

Damn it.

 

Sedian shut his eyes tightly.

 

Now he understood.

 

Why he was so irritated.

 

It’s because someone like Ellen, who matches Rey, exists as his friend.

 

And because someone like himself doesn’t.

 

It didn’t end there.

 

Sedian was nothing more than someone tied to Rey through a business relationship. If Rey decided to quit, they could part ways without hesitation.

 

Their connection was money. They didn’t share the same job or even the same age. Rey treated him kindly simply because he paid him.

 

On the other hand, someone like Ellen would remain Rey’s friend even if Rey quit his job. They’d continue to meet and live well together.

 

The thought of Ellen made Sedian even more irritable.

 

Why?

 

Why did Rey have a friend?

 

Why wasn’t he Rey’s friend?

 

Why, why, why?

 

Why can’t he just keep me by his side?

 

Startled by the sudden realization of his own feelings, Sedian’s eyes flew open.

 

It felt as though a hidden truth within his heart had been exposed.

 

He wanted to monopolize Rey. He wished for no one else to be by Rey’s side. He wanted to be the only one to hold Rey’s hand.

 

This is strange.

 

Yes, strange.

 

To feel possessive over a servant? It was absurd.

 

But…

 

You said you liked me.

 

You said you’d stay by my side.

 

Then why are you with someone else? Why?

 

Sedian couldn’t ignore his feelings any longer.

 

Rey was the first warmth he had received since being cursed, the first person to let him get close. Perhaps that’s why he clung to Rey even more. He didn’t want to lose Rey. He wanted to hold onto him. He wanted to keep him.

 

So only I can see him.

 

He wanted to make it so.

 

Sedian clenched his fists tightly and took a deep breath.

 

At that moment—

 

“Young master, may I come in?”

 

As soon as Rey’s voice reached him, Sedian answered as if he’d been waiting.

 

The door opened, and Rey walked in slowly.

 

As always, his appearance was neat. And, as always, his face was uncommonly pretty for a man.

 

Sedian suddenly wondered if Ellen felt the same way he did when looking at Rey. The thought annoyed him even more.

 

“Young master?”

 

Rey tilted his head and called Sedian. His deep blue hair swayed, brushing against his shoulders. For some reason, it was a pleasant sight.

 

When Sedian snapped out of it and nodded, Rey approached, pushing a trolley.

 

“I’ve brought your breakfast as you requested. Cucumber sandwiches and freshly delivered milk. It’s a light meal for this early hour, but let me know if you’d like more.”

 

As Sedian stared at the food, he suddenly recalled the earlier visit to Rey’s room.

 

Rather than blame him for barging in, Rey had worried about his health.

 

If that was the case…

 

“Rey.”

 

“Yes, young master.”

 

Sedian spoke with a drop in the corners of his eyebrows.

 

“I’m sick.”

 

“What?!”

 

Rey jumped up from his spot and ran to Sedian. He began examining him all over, his expression genuinely filled with concern.

 

“Where? Where does it hurt? Your stomach? Your skin? Your head?”

 

“I don’t know. I just feel sick. I don’t think I can even eat.”

 

“Lie down!”

 

Seeing Rey’s panic, Sedian felt pleased.

 

The emotions that had been heavily weighed down with annoyance just moments ago now swelled up.  

 

He liked Rey worrying about him. He liked it so much that he couldn’t help but smile.

 

“Lying down and resting is the best thing to do. But then again, there’s no reason for your condition to suddenly worsen…”

 

Rey clenched and unclenched his fists and bit his lips nervously.  

 

It was rather satisfying to see Rey, who always presented a composed face—and at times even a cheeky one—losing his cool and becoming flustered, all because of him.

 

“Rey.”

 

Sedian reached out toward Rey, and Rey grabbed his hand without hesitation.  

 

Since being cursed, Sedian hadn’t had physical contact with others. Not just because the curse could transfer, but also because his own skin repulsed him so much that people avoided him as if they’d seen something filthy.

 

But Rey didn’t. From the very first meeting, Rey had held his hand without hesitation. Even afterward, he continued to touch Sedian, as if there were nothing dirty or revolting about him.

 

Perhaps that’s why?  

 

Every time he held hands with Rey, there was always a refreshing sensation. A clear and composed feeling that made his chaotic emotions feel almost shameful.  

 

Sedian traced that feeling upward, gripping Rey’s hand tightly.

 

“Are you leaving?”

 

Rey’s eyes widened slightly in surprise at Sedian’s words. But Sedian knew. He knew what Rey would do next.

 

He would bring a chair, sit by his bedside, and say:

 

“I’ll stay with you.”

 

Just like this.

 

Sedian suddenly pulled Rey’s hand closer. Then, resting his cheek against the back of Rey’s hand, he closed his eyelids. A smile naturally spread across his lips, as his mood lifted.

 

Just as his mind became clearer, so did Sedian’s heart.

 

“Rey.”

 

He liked that Rey worried about him.  

 

He liked the hand Rey held.  

 

And,

 

“Stay by my side.”

 

He liked Rey.  

 

“Forever.”